Configure a code component manifest

As a Microsoft Power Platform developer, understanding how to configure a code component manifest is essential for building custom components. The code component manifest provides important metadata and settings that allow components to be used within Power Apps or Power Virtual Agents. In this article, we will explore the key aspects of configuring a code component manifest, drawing insights from the official Microsoft documentation.

1. What is a Code Component Manifest?

A code component manifest is a JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) file that contains metadata and configuration settings for reusable components. It provides information about the component’s display name, description, properties, resources, and requirements, allowing it to be displayed and interacted with within the Power Platform ecosystem.

2. Creating a Basic Code Component Manifest:

To configure a code component manifest, create a new JSON file with a .manifest.json extension. The manifest file must contain specific properties such as “manifestVersion,” “type,” “version,” and “componentName.” These properties define the fundamental information about the component and its behavior.

3. Defining Component Metadata:

Within the code component manifest, you have the opportunity to provide metadata that describes the purpose and functionality of the component. The “displayName” field represents the user-friendly name of the component, “description” provides a concise overview, and “icon” specifies the visual representation that appears in the component library.

4. Declaring Component Properties:

Properties enable end-users to interact with the component through parameters, inputs, or outputs. In the code component manifest, you define the properties using the “properties” field. Each property includes a “name,” “displayName,” “description,” and “type” to facilitate user comprehension and data validation.

5. Configuring Component Resources:

Code components often require additional resources, such as JavaScript files, CSS stylesheets, or images. These resources need to be declared in the manifest file using the “resources” property. Microsoft documentation provides guidelines on including and referencing these resources properly.

6. Handling Requirements and Capabilities:

Power Platform solutions may impose specific requirements or capabilities based on supported versions, dependencies, or environments. The code component manifest allows you to specify these requirements using the “requirements” property. By setting conditions within the manifest, you ensure your component is used in an appropriate context.

7. Enabling Modern Scripting Capabilities:

The Power Platform supports modern JavaScript frameworks, such as React or Angular, to enhance component development. To enable these capabilities, you can define “JavaScriptComponent” or “TypeScriptComponent” details in the manifest file, respectively. These definitions facilitate interaction with the Power Platform’s client APIs.

8. Validating and Deploying the Code Component Manifest:

Before deploying your component, it’s essential to validate the manifest file to ensure it adheres to the required structure and contains all the necessary information. This can be done using the Power Platform CLI or the Power Apps CLI, leveraging the provided validation commands. Once validated, you can package and deploy your component utilizing Microsoft Dataverse or other deployment methods.

Conclusion:

Configuring a code component manifest is a crucial skill for Microsoft Power Platform developers. By understanding the structure, properties, and resource handling within the manifest, developers can effectively create reusable components that seamlessly integrate into the Power Apps and Power Virtual Agents ecosystems. By referencing Microsoft’s official documentation, developers gain access to detailed guidelines and best practices, enabling them to build powerful and user-friendly components for the Power Platform.